Seventh edition of the Open Arms Awards, run by Voluntary and Community Action Sunderland, to honour individuals, volunteers and organisations that make a difference in the city.
The Open Arms Awards return to Sunderland Minster on Wednesday 9 December, marking the seventh year the ceremony has run. It's put on by Voluntary and Community Action Sunderland (VCAS), and this time around they're calling it the biggest edition yet.
What sets these apart from your usual awards night is how the winners are picked. There's no judging panel behind closed doors; instead, the nominations and voting come from the city's voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. That means the recognition comes directly from local organisations, volunteers and residents — the people who actually see the work being done on the ground.
The awards cover a wide range of categories: volunteering, community development, health and wellbeing, partnership working, culture, sport and environmental action. This year they've added five new Community Champion Awards, sponsored by Sunderland City Council, for people who've made a significant impact in their own neighbourhoods. Between the regulars and the new additions, it's a broad look at the different ways people show up for their community.
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VCAS has been supporting Sunderland's voluntary and community sector since 1973, and chief officer Janette Hilton puts it simply: the awards celebrate those who make an extraordinary difference every day, often working quietly behind the scenes without seeking any recognition. The ceremony is at Sunderland Minster on 9 December.
